Hanis Maketab New Straits Times 10 Mar 11;
KUALA LUMPUR: Bird lovers, including foreigners, are expected to flock to Tanjung Tuan tomorrow and on Sunday for Raptor Watch 2011.
Into its 12th year, the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS)'s annual bird-watching festival will be held at the PNB Ilham Resort in Port Dickson.
The festival is to celebrate the return of migratory birds of prey, better known as raptors, on their journey back to their breeding grounds in the northern hemisphere.
Tanjung Tuan, which has been gazetted as a forest reserve, wildlife reserve and a historical site, is an important resting spot for migrating raptors after crossing the Straits of Malacca.
Despite its status as a protected natural reserve, Tanjung Tuan is still threatened by development because it is considered a prime coastal real estate.
Raptor Watch is MNS' sustained effort to promote the conservation of the natural treasure, and has become the biggest eco-tourism event in Malaysia, attracting bird enthusiasts from Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore.
MNS head of communications Andrew Sebastian told the New Straits Times: "We have been championing this cause for more than 10 years, attracting public interest and bird watchers who are all concerned about protecting Tanjung Tuan's vital forest ecosystem.
"Every year, we receive queries from those who want to participate in the festival. Today, more hotels and resorts are promoting Raptor Watch as an activity for their guests."
Events include photography lessons, guided nature walks, arts and crafts, exhibitions, a fashion show and an Amazing Race competition.
"This year we are inviting more schoolchildren and their families to participate in the activities and to promote the love for nature."
More than 73,000 raptors were recorded by MNS volunteers last year.
For more details, visit Raptor Watch at http://www.raptorwatch.org.
